Japan Airlines-JAL (Tokyo) is planning to operate the last revenue flight of its McDonnell Douglas MD-90-30 on March 30 after 17 years of service at JAS and JAL. The last flight will be from Hiroshima to Tokyo (Haneda) per Aviation Wire. The last flight is sold out.
Read the full report (in Japanese): CLICK HERE
Copyright Photo: Michael B. Ing.ย McDonnell Douglas MD-90-30 JA8070 (msn 53358) lands at Tokyo (Haneda).
JAL-Japan Airlines:ย 
Delta Air Lines (Atlanta) has filed an application with the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to add additional nonstop flights between Sao Paulo and the key business markets of New York (JFK) and Atlanta, increasing competition on air service between the U.S. and Brazil.
If approved, Delta will begin second daily Sao Paulo flights to both Atlanta and New York in 2013.
Delta currently operates 35 nonstop weekly flights between Brazil and the U.S. including Atlanta, Detroit and New York-JFK to Sao Paulo, as well as from Atlanta to Rio de Janeiro and Brasilia.
Delta’s proposed addition of a second daily flight between Sao Paulo and John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York’s marks another important step in Delta’s plan to invest and grow at New York. The new flight will operate out of the expanded and enhanced state-of the-art Internationalย Terminal 4, which opens its doors in 90 days amid a $1.4 billion million terminal expansion project.
In its filing, Delta also requested approval to continue its daily nonstop service between its hub in Detroit and Sao Paulo. Delta’s right to operate that flight will transfer to US Airways in 2015 as part of a previously approved slot transaction that allowed Delta to expand at LaGuardia Airport in New York.
This is the first time in more than a decade that the Department of Transportation has the opportunity to allocate new Sao Paulo frequencies.ย These opportunities arise as direct result of the U.S. government’s success in negotiating a new air service agreement with Brazil, which is expected to result in a full Open Skies agreement by 2015.
The new frequencies would be served with Delta’s 767-300 ER equipped with state-of-the-art flatbed seats, video on demand entertainment system, and award-winning food and wine service, Ferri said.ย The 767 has a capacity of 210 passengers, 35 Business Elite, 32 Economy Comfort and 143 economy class seats.
Copyright Photo: Michael B. Ing.ย Boeing 767-332 ER N172DZ (msn 29691) climbs briskly away from the runway at Tokyo (Narita)
Delta Air Lines:ย
ANA-All Nippon Airways (Tokyo) today (February 23) introduced itsย 60th anniversary logojet named “Yume Jet – You and Me” (Dream Jet).
The company was established as the Japan Helicopter and Aeroplane Transports Company, Ltd. in December 1952. Helicopter services commenced in February 1953.
Delta Air Lines (Atlanta) has received final approval from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to operate new nonstop service between Seattle/Tacoma and Tokyo International Airport, also known as Haneda Airport. The new flights will begin on June 1, 2013.
The Haneda flight adds to Delta’s growing Asian gateway in Seattle/Tacoma. In addition to Tokyo-Haneda, Delta will begin new service to Shanghai on June 17, and also operates flights to Beijing, Tokyo-Narita and Osaka, Japan.
Seattle is the largest West Coast city without nonstop service to Haneda, which is the preferred Tokyo airport for many business travelers due to its proximity to the city’s central business district.
The new Haneda flight will complement Delta’s nonstop flight between Seattle/Tacoma and Tokyo-Narita, which will be expanded and upgraded to Boeing 747-400 service on June 1. Delta’s Boeing 747-400 fleet was recently retrofitted with new interiors featuring full flat-bed seats in BusinessElite, Delta’s popular Economy Comfort seating and in-flight entertainment in every seat throughout the aircraft.
Once the Boeing 747-400 is deployed on the Seattle/Tacoma-Narita route, all of Delta’s trans-Pacific flights will feature full flat-bed seats in BusinessElite as well as Economy Comfort and individual in-flight entertainment throughout the aircraft.
In addition to its Asian gateway, Delta operates nonstop service to Paris and Amsterdam from Seattle/Tacoma. By next summer the airline will operate more than 40 daily flights to 15 destinations worldwide from Seattle.
Delta’s international growth in Seattle/Tacoma is possible because of its partnership with Alaska Airlines (Seattle/Tacoma), which operates a domestic hub at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. Customers of both carriers enjoy access to an expanded network under a major codesharing agreement, as well as reciprocal frequent flier benefits and airport lounge access. The new Tokyo-Haneda flight will benefit from easy connections to 55 U.S. cities on Delta and Alaska’s domestic networks.
Copyright Photo: Michael B. Ing. Boeing 747-451 N676NW (msn 33002) climbs away from Tokyo (Narita).
Delta Air Lines:ย
ANA (All Nippon Airways) (Tokyo) has reported a new incident involving one of its Boeing 787-8s. Boeing 787-8 JA804A (msn 34486) was operating domestic flight NH 692 from Ube to Tokyo (Haneda) when it was forced to make an emergency landing in Takamatsu, Japan today (January 16) after the flight crew received a cockpit message aboutย battery problems. There was a reported burning smell in the cockpit and the cabin according to this report by Yahoo! News. Passengers and crew members evacuated the aircraft on landing.
Boeing and FAA continue their safety investigation into the on-going problems of the 787.
As a result, both ANA and JAL have voluntarily grounded their 787s for further safety checks.ย Other airlines, including United Airlines, continue to operate their 787s. The new 787 routes flown by both ANA and JAL have been suspended.
Read the full report: CLICK HERE
Top Copyright Photo: Michael B. Ing. Sister-ship Boeing 787-8 JA807A (msn 34508) taxies across the ramp at Tokyo (Haneda).
ANA-All Nippon Airways:ย 
Bottom Copyright Photo: Shige Sakaki. The affected aircraft, Boeing 787-8 JA804A (msn 34486), arrives at Tokyo (Haneda).
Meanwhile ANA is celebrating its 60th Anniversary with a special new video:
JAL-Japan Airlines (Tokyo) stated yesterday (January 13) its Boeing 787 Dreamliner involved in the fuel leak (second incident) at Boston last week and undergoing safety checks in Tokyo had leaked fuel again during tests according to this report by Reuters.
According to Reuters, “An open valve on the aircraft caused fuel to leak from a nozzle on the left wing used to remove fuel, a company spokeswoman said. The jet is out of service after spilling about 40 gallons (roughly 150 liters) of fuel onto the airport taxiway in Boston due to a separate valve-related problem.”
Meanwhile Japan’s transport ministry has launched an investigation into the fuel leaks. The FAA and Boeing continue their investigations into the mishaps of the 787.
On January 10 after the first Boston incident involving ย a fire on another Dreamliner on January 7, 2013, JAL stated:
“Japan Airlines initiated and completed inspections on all other Boeing 787 aircraft in its fleet the following the (first) incident at Boston and found no irregularities.
We sincerely apologize for the concern and inconvenience caused to our valuable customers.
Safety is of utmost importance to Japan Airlines and we will continue striving to ensure safe operations of each and every flight, and on all our aircraft types including the 787 Dreamliner. Please be assured on your future travel with us.”
Boeing issued this statement on its involvement with the FAA on the safety review of the 787:
Boeing Chairman, President and CEO Jim McNerney issued the following statement after U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood and FAA Administrator Michael P. Huerta announced that the FAA and Boeing will start a review of the 787’s recent issues and critical systems:
“Boeing shares the same commitment to air travel safety that Transportation Secretary LaHood and FAA Administrator Huerta spoke of this morning in Washington, D.C. We also stand 100 percent behind the integrity of the 787 and the rigorous process that led to its successful certification and entry into service. We look forward to participating in the joint review with the FAA, and we believe it will underscore our confidence, and the confidence of our customers and the traveling public, in the reliability, safety and performance of the innovative, new 787 Dreamliner.”
Will Boeing drop the “Dreamliner” name?
Read the full report: CLICK HERE
Copyright Photo: Michael B. Ing. JAL remains committed to the 787 despite the teething problems of the new type. JAL has taken delivery of seven 787s. 787-8 JA827J (msn 34837) approaches Tokyo (Narita) for landing.
JAL-Japan Airlines:ย
EgyptAir (Cairo) is planning to start two new routes from Cairo in June 2013 per Airline Route. Cairo-Manchester will start on June 1 and will operate five days a week with Boeing 737-800s.
Service to Toronto will be via a code-share with Air Canada via London Heathrow (correcting our previous report).
Read the full report: CLICK HERE
Copyright Photo: Michael B. Ing. Boeing 777-36N ER SU-GDL (msn 38284) climbs away briskly from Tokyo (Narita).
EgyptAir:ย 
Starflyer (Kitakyushu) has taken delivery of its first ever directly purchased aircraft, an Airbus A320, during a delivery ceremony in Toulouse, France. A320-214 JA08MC (msn 5393) was handed over to the carrier on December 12.
The aircraft is the first of three A320s ordered by the company in 2011, and is powered byย CFM56-5B4/P engines. Itย will accommodate 150 passengersย in a single-classย configuration.Starflyerย will deployย the new aircraft toย strengthen its network in Japan and to regional destinations.
Starflyer already operates an all-Airbus fleet of seven leased A320s, the first of which was delivered in Toulouse exactly seven years ago. With this aircraft, the airlineโs fleet will rise to eight A320s, with another six to be delivered both via lease and direct purchase.
Starflyer commenced operations on March 16, 2006.
Copyright Photo: Shige Sakaki.Airbus A320-214 JA05MC (msn 4555) taxies across the airfield at Haneda International Airport in Tokyo. A “I fly KIX” sticker promotes Kansai International Airport near Osaka.
Starflyer:ย 
Frameable Color Prints and Posters:ย 
Delta Air Lines (Atlanta) and Virgin Atlantic Airways Ltd. (London) have reached an agreement for a new joint venture that will create an expanded trans-Atlantic network and enhance competition between the U.K. and North America, offering greater benefits for customers traveling on those routes.
As part of this joint venture agreement, Delta will invest $360 million in Virgin Atlantic, acquiring a 49 percent stake currently held by Singapore Airlines. Virgin Group and Sir Richard Branson will retain the majority 51 percent stake and Virgin Atlantic Airways will retain its brand and operating certificate.
Highlights of the agreement include:
The airlines will file an application with the U.S. Department of Transportation for antitrust immunity, which will allow a closer relationship and coordination on schedules and operations. The transaction also will be reviewed by the U.S. Department of Justice and the European Union’s competition regulator and other relevant authorities. The share purchase and the joint venture are expected to be implemented by the end of 2013.
“Our new partnership with Virgin Atlantic will strengthen both airlines and provide a more effective competitor between North America and the U.K., particularly on the New York-London route, which is the largest airline route between the U.S. and Europe,” said Delta CEO Richard Anderson. “By combining the strengths of our two companies in a joint venture, we can provide customers with a seamless network between North America and the U.K., and continue building a better airline for our customers, employees and shareholders.”
Steve Ridgway, Virgin Atlantic Chief Executive, added: “Consumers will reap the rewards of this partnership between two great airline brands on services from the UK to the USA, Canada and Mexico through a shared ethos in the highest standards of customer service. This joint venture will deliver much more effective competition at Heathrow.
“Both airlines are confident that the Department of Transportation will be as convinced as we are of the extensive consumer benefits arising from this joint venture, with expedited approval being granted by the end of 2013. The trans-Atlantic market is Virgin Atlantic’s heartland – it’s where we started. By aligning with Delta we can continue to grow our North American network and offer greatly enhanced connectivity across the USA.”
Virgin Atlantic President, Sir Richard Branson, commented: “This is an exciting day in Virgin Atlantic history. It signals the start of a new era of expansion, financial growth and many opportunities for our customers and our business. I truly look forward to the possibilities our partnership with Delta will offer. We have always been known for our innovation and service and have punched above our weight for 28 years. That is why our customers love us so much. We will retain that independent spirit but move forward in a strengthened partnership with Delta.”
Delta and Virgin Atlantic customers will be able to earn and redeem miles across Delta’s SkyMiles and Virgin Atlantic’s FlyingClub frequent flyer programs. Premium customers also will have reciprocal access to the Delta Sky Club and Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse airport lounges. Full details will be announced as services become available.
The partnership allows both carriers to offer a greatly expanded network at Heathrowย and to overcome slot constraints, which have limited the growth and competitive capability of both airlines. The two carriers will operate a total of 31 peak-day round-trip flights between the U.K. and North America, 23 of which operate at London-Heathrow. The enlarged network will benefit customers of both carriers by providing greater access to a broader network, improved connectivity and convenient booking options.
As part of a $3 billion investment in enhanced global products, services and airport facilities, all of Delta’s flights between the U.S. and London-Heathrow feature full flat-bed seats offering direct aisle access in the BusinessElite cabin. These flights also offer Delta’s popular Economy Comfort seating in the forward section of the economy cabin. Economy Comfort offers four additional inches of legroom and 50 percent more recline compared to standard economy seats. All cabins offer in-seat audio and video on demand with a broad range of in-flight entertainment options. Delta also will begin introducing in-flight WiFi service on international flights beginning in 2013.
Virgin Atlantic has recently completed a ยฃ150m upgrade program. A new Upper Class cabin has been introduced across its Airbus A330 aircraft, which features the longest fully flat bed in the sky. This is complemented by a redesigned onboard bar and new Clubhouses at both JFK and Newark airports. The airline’s Boeing 747 leisure fleet has been completely refitted and features onboard connectivity and VERA Touch โ Virgin Atlantic’s award-winning touch screen in-flight entertainment system โ offering passengers hours of entertainment at their fingertips.
Top Copyright Photo: Michael B. Ing. Boeing 747-451 N668US (msn 24223) completes its final approach into Tokyo (Narita).
Delta Air Lines:ย 
Virgin Atlantic Airways:ย 
Bottom Copyright Photo: Keith Burton. Airbus A340-642 G-VWEB (msn 787) arrives at the London (Heathrow) hub.
Air Canada (Montreal) and Turkish Airlines (Istanbul) announced a reciprocal code sharing agreement that will make it easy and convenient for customers to connect between the two Star Alliance partner airlines. The agreement, to take effect the beginning of the second quarter of 2013, will leverage Air Canada’s planned Toronto-Istanbul route launching this summer pending receipt of government approval.
Under the code share agreement the two carriers will each place their flight designator code on select flights making it more convenient for travelers with such benefits as a single itinerary, through-checked bags and mutual status recognition. The agreement will include Air Canada’s code on Turkish Airlines’ Toronto-Istanbul flight and several destinations beyond Istanbul, not only in Turkey but also in the Middle East and Africa region. Turkish Airlines will also code share on Air Canada’s new non-stop service between Toronto and Istanbul providing connections to domestic Canada and several points from Toronto to U.S destinations. Moreover, with the loyalty program, passengers will have the opportunity to earn and use miles both on Turkish Airlines and Air Canada flights.
Top Copyright Photo: Michael B. Ing. Long-Range Boeing 777-233 LR C-FIVK (msn 35245) of Air Canada arrives at Tokyo (Narita).
Air Canada:ย
Turkish Airlines:ย
Bottom Copyright Photo: Keith Burton. Turkish Airlines’ Boeing 737-8F2 TC-JFM (msn 29775) with “Turkish Football Federation” additional marking approaches London (Gatwick) for landing.
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